Bathroom with subway tiles (design ideas) (2023)

In this gallery, we share our subway tile bathroom ideas, including the different shower and bathtub designs, colors, material types, grout used, and subway tile cleaning tips.
subway tiles. We've all heard of them; even admired her. But do we really know what constitutes subway tiles as such? Luckily, we're here to help you with this little dilemma.

In this article, we discuss everything you might need to know about subway tiles, including their historical origins and general properties.

There are so many ways to use subway tiles in the home that you really are only limited by your own imagination. There are so many customizations and patterns to choose from.

But first of all, what exactly is a subway tile? This term refers to tiles that are rectangular in shape. The usual dimensions are 3 x 6 inches. They are usually laid with a 50% offset and almost always horizontally.

Subway tiles are well known for their durability. It's timeless and classic and doesn't really go out of style when you think about it. It is also usually made of ceramic.

What is subway tile?

This is quite an interesting name for a specific type of tile. Thankfully, its etymology is fairly simple and straightforward. This is largely because subway tiles were first used in New York City subway stations.

This made them iconic and timeless. The subway tile was born out of designers' challenge to ensure they create a surface that is both bright and easy to maintain. They had a big hit with it back in 1904, and if you think about it, the subway tile design is still a big hit to this day.

Despite the weathering of the decades, subway tiles are valued because their main value really lies in their hygiene and aesthetics. It's stain resistant, fairly easy to clean, and can be quite resistant to bacteria as well.

In addition, the glossy and white design of the first subway tiles joined together to form a reflective surface that embodies light and cleanliness. This had psychological benefits for people traveling underground who might otherwise have concerns about feeling hygienic and safe.

Bathroom Subway Tile Designs

There are many different bathroom subway tile designs to choose from. If you've been considering this for a while, then you're really on the right track.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when starting the conceptualization process from scratch:

Keep everything classic:Subway tiles are highly valued for their timelessness. Sticking with the white color and sticking to a repeating binding pattern is definitely not a bad idea. Tastes and styles come and go with the times, but classic is classic at the end of the day.

Mix the materials:Instead of using the traditional ceramic or porcelain subway tiles, you can try using a material like marble to add depth. SeeShower designs aus MarmorHere.

Change your colors a bit:Multicolored subway tiles are a feast for the eyes. Adding vibrant and vibrant colors to subway tiles is a smart way to make a statement without necessarily overwhelming the space you're working on.

Use a dark grout during installation:This will add a geometric effect to your finished look. Try to deviate from traditional light-colored grout as much as possible, as this can make your subway tile surface look unremarkable and dull.

Dark colored grout gives your subway tiles a dramatic look and feel in the clean and bold lines that are created. You can make the subway tiles stand out even more.

Consider an inverse design:Try to achieve the opposite aesthetic by opting for dark subway tiles with light-colored grout. It looks moodier and not as bright, but it has its own offerings in its contrasting tones once all is done and smoothed out.

Try stacking your subway tiles vertically:The running compound pattern with the subway tiles stacked horizontally is iconic, but a neat stack arranged vertically can also look pretty cool. It can elongate a room, so if you want to make a room look bigger than usual, it's a nifty optical illusion you can use.

Go with a herringbone layout:Another classic subway tile pattern is the herringbone pattern. It's not quite as common, but it's just as iconic and aesthetic.

It brings something different and unique to the table. So if you like the classic appeal of subway tiles but want something different on the side, the herringbone pattern might turn out to work for you and the space you're trying to create.

Contrast the tiles with the floors:Black and white is a combination that's been around since the beginning of time - and it works. Cover the walls with white subway tiles and have them accented with black floor tiles.

It can really make the room pop and more than that, the lightness and brightness in the walls can open up the space.

Bring in more tiles:One way to add dimension to your subway tiles is to flank them from different sides or angles with other tiles of different shapes and colors. You can create a stripe effect by lining up tiles either at the top or bottom, or even both.

Go with a half wall:We get it. The surface of the subway tiles is perfect and classic and all those good things, but you really don't have to go all out for a change.

You can limit your subway tile layout to a single wall and use other tiles for the other walls, or you can lay out the first half of the wall with the subway tiles and the second half wallpaper or some other type use of tiles.

Subway Tile Bathroom Colors

Subway tiles are available in virtually every finish and color these days. Think of a specific material or color you want to use, and there's a pretty good chance there's a specific subway tile that fits your specs exactly.

They can be laid out in countless patterns, can be virtually any color imaginable, and can be made from literally any material. As long as it can be cut and squared, it can definitely be turned into a subway tile.

It's definitely easier to make a design statement with such a wide range to choose from, ranging from bright and boldly pigmented shades to the most neutral and earthy tones you can find.

Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas

There are so manybathroom remodel ideaswhich you can play around with if you have subway tiles in mind.

The notion that subway tiles have only one application because of their specific appearance is outdated and wrong and if you have this preconceived notion then you are definitely missing out.

There is so much design potential that subway tiles can bring to the bathroom. Here are a few you should at least know about.

Bathroom with white subway tiles

If you want to go for a classic or modern bathroom look, you can easily achieve that with the help of your white subway tiles. It really isn't rocket science for us to understand how white subway tiles got to where they are today.

The reason they are so popular is because of the versatility they can bring to the table. If you haven't really made up your mind when it comes to bathroom design, but want to make some progress with your tile choices, you can't go wrong with white subway tiles.

Its bright appearance can contrast nicely with so many color palettes, but also easily blends into neutral hues if that's your direction.

You canopen your bathroomwith a floor to ceiling subway tile look. You can opt for a marble cut finish if you want something fancier. You can opt for flat subway tiles to give it a handcrafted look and a bit of personality.

You can opt for a herringbone that goes up if you want to get rid of the cluttered look and want something that looks a bit larger. You can only place the subway tiles on the splash zones for easier maintenance.

You can even have beveled white subway tiles for that aesthetic look that runs on clouds without breaking the bank. There are so many things you can do with white subway tiles so feel free to design to your heart's content. See moreWhite bathroom ideasHere.

Large bathroom with subway tiles

While the 3×6 tile size is classic and iconic, it definitely wouldn't hurt to consider the other subway tile options. If you're ever curious if they happen to come in plus sizes, yes they do.

You can go for smaller mini tiles like 1×2 tiles or you can go big with the 4×12 tiles or even bigger.

When it comes to considering your bathroom design in relation to your subway tile sizing choices, you need to know right away that size does matter. It's great to be creative and all that, but you also need to make sure the tile size you choose is appropriate for the project you actually have in mind.

First, consider the actual coverage area of ​​the tile. Smaller tile areas would mean that your best bet is to use small to medium sized subway tiles. Larger tiles are best for making big complimentsWalk-in shower designsor more open areas throughout the bathroom.

Bathroom wall with subway tiles

The thing about subway tiles is that they have grooves on the sides of each piece of tile. This means installation can be a breeze as these grooves mean you don't need to use spacers at all.

You'll automatically get a 1/16" grout line with no spacers required. If you use spacers you will end up with fairly wide grout lines. This means that you can easily DIY this project yourself and end up with itfully tiled bathroom walls.

The end result is exquisite for a fraction of the price. It is definitely a big yes for you to tile your bathroom walls with subway tiles.

Subway Tile Bathroom Shower

Subway tiles are also very popular for shower areas. We're talking mainly about the traditional white subway tiles. They are a very popular favourite, especially for those who prefer a Victorian design for their bathroom shower area.

This is because all white bathrooms were pretty common in that era. The rule used to be that the plain white tiles were always for the less visible areas in the house.

Bathroom with black subway tiles

If there's a twist you can add to the deliciousness of subway tiles, it would be to opt for black subway tiles. This look can add drama to a room.

It can be the perfect decorating backdrop, anchoring neutral pieces for variety. Here are some creative ways you can incorporate black subway tile into your bathroom without overdoing it.

Use it as a visual highlight in your shower:The tile shower is fine and all, but the inlay of black subway tiles from top to bottom is definitely an eye catcher. It makes the small shower area special and can add a luxurious look and feel to your bathroom.

It also turns your shower area into the focal point of your bathroom. Pair this with graphic floors with black accents and you have a design that really pulls it all together.

Go mate:Black is a bright color. Combine that with the signature glossy sheen of traditional subway tiles and it may seem like a little too much.

One way to really get this right without overwhelming the rest of the design elements in your bathroom is to tone down the finish. Opt for matte black subway tiles or something more textured for a subtle visual focal point that goes well with everything else.

Combine black and white tiles:Contrasts are dramatic. Of course, white subway tiles go very well with black subway tiles.

You can dream up all the creative possibilities and elaborate patterns to put them together, but at the end of the day, the simple thought of black floors and white bathroom walls can prove to be just the right amount of drama you need.

Go big with an accent wall:Pick a main wall in your bathroom and tile it top to bottom with black subway tiles. This is a Go Big or Go Home concept that can really pay off if you get it right.

It will also add an element of freedom to the rest of your bathroom, as a dramatic black wall makes a statement in its own right. You can play around with itSoftware for bathroom designTry different layouts to get a feel for what you like best.

Modern bathroom with white subway tiles

If you want to achieve a slightly modern look with the use of white tubeTypes of bathroom tiles, it is best to pay attention to the surface finish of your chosen tiles as well as the color of your grout and the type of grout used.

Make sure you want to go alongground or unground mortarFinishes and which ones work well with your particular tile to achieve the look you want.

Opt for some high gloss and high gloss so you can really bundle up with this ultra modern design. When you think of the other elements you want to include, think of a Jetsons concept or something related to space-age cleanliness and minimalism.

This shouldn't be too much work as the white subway tiles will do most of it for you.

Bathroom with blue subway tiles

The blue subway tile is like the child of the marriage between the most popular tile color ever created and the most timeless pattern the design world has ever known.

It's a superlative statement, but that's exactly what you get when you choose to tile your bathroom with gorgeous blue subway tiles. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter what design aesthetic you have in mind. Thing is, blue subway tiles will come and they will deliver every time.

The use of blue subway tiles in the bathroom can create a sense of calm and an atmosphere of sanctuary and calm. Given that after a long, hard day at work we usually decompress and retreat to the confines of our bathrooms, this is a genius take on bathroom design.

The color really makes all the difference in the world. Light shades can relieve tension and promote calm, while dark shades can encourage focus and clear thinking - perfect for meditating in the shower.

Bathroom with gray subway tiles

Gray subway tile for the bathroom is a great mix if you like the minimalist cleanliness of white subway tiles, but you're not a big fan of their bright austerity. It's perfect if you're trying to create a neutral design for your bathroom.

This shade of subway tile is versatile and subtle, and while it's a little understated, it just means you can play around with louder or more colorful design elements you want to add.

Bathroom with vertical subway tiles

Stacking your subway tiles vertically in the bathroom can create really clean lines, especially along the edges of the bathroom.

Due to the fact that the tiles appear longer and thinner in this particular tile arrangement, your bathroom can feel taller and give the entire space a more modern feel.

Bathroom with subway glass tiles

Glass tile is a more modern innovation or addition to subway tile variations, and it's definitely worth considering. Aside from the fact that they have a slightly higher aesthetic value, they also offer a number of benefits that are not yet to be ignored or swept under the rug.

Glass subway tiles are very easy to clean. What's more, despite the name, they offer an incredibly hard-wearing surface while also brightening up your bathroom due to their light-reflecting properties. This is certainly a smart addition.

Subway tiles, black grout bath

Subway tiles are quite popular and it's definitely not uncommon to see them in the bathrooms of households across the country. Whatever the case, there are so many ways to spice things up that you're not just getting the standard subway tiles you're used to.

A creative way to really let your subway tiles show through and make them look special is to use black grout on your next bathroom makeover. This is a really quick and easy way to make your bathroom tiles look and feel 'richer'.

The term that aptly sums this up is "Econo-Lux". This means you can capture the look and feel of luxury without breaking the bank or paying a premium for it.

Subway tiles are fairly inexpensive and if you combine them with light-colored grout you can run the risk of making them look a bit too plain or even cheap. Using black grout can really improve the look and you wouldn't even have to do anything extra to get it done.

The good thing about decorating your white subway tiles with black grout is that you can actually do it yourself. You don't need to hire a professional to do this. You don't need any major renovation work in your bathroom either.

Let's say you already have subway tiles but just wanted a quick update. You can run across fresh black ground and nobody gets the wiser. Your bathroom will look brand new in no time and won't eat up your renovation budget.

Subway tile with a mosaic accent

Don't get us wrong. Subway tiles make great standalone tiles. They're great on their own and really hold their own in design. However, it certainly wouldn't hurt if you want to play around a bit and add some decorative tiles to the mix.

Take mosaic accents for example. They're great for adding that pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic look. It can really add some shock value to the room, or even just a small element that can break line of sight.

Another way to play around with mosaic accents is to choose something completely different in terms of texture, material, or even actual surface finish. Glass mosaic tile is a current favorite, but don't let that limit you as mosaic accents can come in all imaginable designs, materials, colors and textures.

The options really are endless and we understand if you end up having a hard time deciding on just one. There are so many trends to consider, from tile that looks like wood, to porcelain that looks like organic materials like wood or natural stone, to so many other looks that tile in general can mimic.

Perhaps the best advice we can give you on this is to carry around a piece of tile and run around the home depots and actually compare your base tile to another tile design out there that catches your eye.

Patterns are great and all, but they're nowhere near as realistic as actually laying out tile patterns side-by-side.

This can give you a better look and feel for the design you are creating to the point where you can actually imagine how it would feel for you to run your fingers through the tile surfaces.

All you really need to keep in mind with all of this is that your options are not limited. You can play around and be as outrageous as you like.

Mosaic tiles are meant to accentuate or stand out, so it doesn't matter if they're a little wild or a little avant-garde. You only have a little bit of them anyway and that means it's almost impossible to ruin your design by adding them.

There's no way an accent mosaic tile can be overwhelming. So let your imagination run wild and go with what you think feels or looks good in your bathroom after all is said and done.

Is subway tile ceramic or porcelain?

If you are wondering about the main source of material, the traditional subway tile is really ceramic. Especially glazed ceramics.

This is how it got its reflective and smooth surface. However, subway tiles also exhibit variations in material form. You can actually get a variety of subway tiles not only from porcelain, but also from different types of natural stone, a selection of materials and even from glass.

If you like the concept of subway tiles but want to opt for something different, there are other alternative materials you can try.

You can opt for bricks that look like tiles, stone backsplashes in the same dimensions of 3×6, 2×4, 4×8, or 6×12, curved tiles, or even plank or linear tiles.

What Type of Grout is Best for Subway Tile?

What you need to understand when choosing the best grout for the specific subway tile you have in mind is that color is always key to making the best choice.

You have to make decisions, e.g. B. make the tiles the focus of the room design or let them merge with the background. Here are 5 easy steps to choosing the right grout for your subway tiles.

First decide on the type of tiles you want. Choose your tile before choosing your grout. To get coherent results, you first need to get down to the core of what you're working with. It's similar to designing a room. You want to pick all the design elements first, and then let the color come last.

Second, decide if you want your grout to stand out or blend in. This is pretty easy enough to wrap your head around. If you want something that serves as a strong contrast, you might want to get a dark grout against your subway tiles. If you want something that blends in, consider using a similar color for your tiles instead.

Third, always think about upkeep. Are you okay with a high maintenance grout but get dramatic visual results in return, or would you like to go for something that requires less maintenance?

Grouts in darker tones can match literally any type of tile, and what's more, spills and other stains go relatively unnoticed. You might also want to consider upgrading your type of grout to something high-performance grout, such as B. Mortar based on resin or cementitious mortar.

These two latest technologies in mortar work can work with any size of mortar joint.

Fourth, decide whether you want to go with ground or non-ground joints. Their main difference would be in the texture of the surface. Know the difference between the two so that you end up choosing the right one before proceeding with your tile purchase.

And finally, you have to consider the look you are trying to create. Are you going for something traditional or something chic? Do you want to keep a design that will last for years to come, or do you crave something more spontaneous and creative?

A classic grout color is best if you're looking for timelessness. However, if you want something trendier, check out colorful grouts.

Is the subway tile hard to keep clean?

On the contrary, subway tiles are relatively easy to clean. In fact, the whole appeal of why subway tiles became so popular that they are still enjoyed today lies in that fact.

Subway tiles are ridiculously easy to care for. It is almost impossible for mold or mildew to remain on the glazed surface of subway tiles.

Usually they just need a quick clean without major scrubbing and the surface is already kept spotless and spotlessly clean.This is a far cry from its acrylic shower and bath counterparts.

For more related content, check out our article on theKitchen splashback made from subway tiles on this page.